The area where Fort Stanwix stood was known as the Oneida Carry. It was a short overland portage between the waterways connecting the Great Lakes to New York City and therefore important to the fur trade. Conflicts between the French and the English ( the French and Indian War) led to the establishment of Fort Stanwix by the British in 1758. The British abandoned the fort at the end of the war. It was rebuilt by the patriots during the American revolution to guard against a British invasion from Canada. In 1777 British troops marched on the fort but after a 21 day siege they retreated back to Canada. The successful defense of the fort and the patriot victory at Sarasota was a turning point in the American Revolution.
The current fort is an accurate reconstruction of the original fort with wooden buildings and surrounding earthworks. Costumed interpreters are on hand in the fort to answer questions. The visitor center is well done with short videos and displays about all of the different people who were involved in the conflicts that took place around Fort Stanwix.
The visitor center is accessible. The paths to the fort are hard packed stone and concrete, easy to roll along. Most of the rooms in the fort have a step up and are not accessible.
Parking is in a lot on James Street across from the visitor center. The lot is large enough for any RV. The curb cuts and sidewalks are in good condition. Fort
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